Registration is now open for the 2026 LEAD Summit at California State University, San Bernardino, the annual free conference that brings together educators, students, researchers, community leaders and advocates to discuss Latino education, educational leadership and social justice. 

The summit is set for Oct. 16 with the theme, "15ñera for Justice: Divina Juventud: From Innocence to Resistance." It will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union South Events Center on the CSUSB campus. Registration and parking are complimentary.

Registration can be done online at the LEAD Summit XV registration webpage.

“The LEAD Summit XV is more than a conference – it is a ceremonial call to action. In a time when democracy, truth and educational equity face unprecedented challenges, this summit reminds us that young people are not merely the future – they are the leaders of the present,” said Enrique Murillo Jr., executive director of LEAD and professor of education at CSUSB. 

“Participants will leave inspired by powerful scholarship, cultural ceremony, community wisdom and practical strategies for advocacy, equipped to strengthen their campuses, schools, organizations and communities with renewed purpose, courage and collective responsibility,” Murillo said.

Marking its 15th anniversary, the LEAD Summit adopts the symbolism of a quinceañera to commemorate its evolution from a forum for dialogue into a longstanding movement dedicated to educational leadership, scholarship and advocacy. This year's theme also draws inspiration from Día de los Muertos, honoring educators, organizers and visionaries whose work has helped shape educational opportunity while recognizing the next generation of leaders.

The 2026 summit will explore the role of young people in advancing education, democracy and social justice through the theme, "Divina Juventud: From Innocence to Resistance." Organizers describe the gathering as an opportunity to examine how education can serve as a catalyst for civic engagement, leadership and positive community change.

Throughout the day, attendees will participate in panel discussions, featured presentations, cultural performances, remembrance altars and community-centered activities designed to encourage collaboration across education, research, the arts and advocacy.

The summit invites participants to consider questions about democracy, educational responsibility and the future of justice while highlighting the creativity, leadership and resilience of emerging generations.

LEAD organizers encourage participation from teaching professionals, researchers, academics, scholars, administrators, students, parents, families, civic leaders, policy specialists, artists and advocates who share a commitment to improving educational outcomes and expanding opportunities for Latino students.

The summit’s honorary chairs/padrinos de honor have also been named.

Jerry Tello, the 2026 Padrino de Honor, is an internationally recognized authority on culturally based health and healing, trauma-informed practices and Indigenous-centered pedagogy. A father, grandfather, therapist, author and community justice advocate, Tello has spent more than five decades strengthening individuals, families and communities through his philosophy, La Cultura Cura (Culture Heals). He is co-founder and elder emeritus of the National Compadres Network and has developed nationally recognized curricula focused on healing, fatherhood, youth development and community wellness.

Josefina E. Canchola, the 2026 Madrina de Honor, has dedicated nearly four decades to expanding educational opportunities for first-generation and underserved students. Currently director of Secondary Programs and Partnerships for the University of California's Puente Project, she has served in numerous educational and community leadership roles while advocating for student success and educational equity. She also serves as vice president of the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees.

For more information and program updates, visit the LEAD Summit XV website.

Online flyer for LEAD Summit XV, titled "15ñera for Justice: Divina Juventud: From Innocence to Resistance."